team-member

Matthew Ellis

Portland, OR

Licensed for 14 years

Law Degree

Awards

Primary Practice Area

Employment & Labor

Language

English

About

At first glance, it might not seem like the most natural transition. Shakespearean actors tired of the low pay are supposed to become graphic designers or teachers, not lawyers, right? Not necessarily, says employment law litigator, Matthew Ellis. The Emerson College graduate - who followed his 1998 BFA in acting with a five-year stint in New York - says the progression from acting to litigation was remarkably fluid. "Actors are at their best when they're authentic and believable," the Seattle-raised Matthew explains. "I think that's also what makes a good trial lawyer. ... It's not just being conscious of your voice and movement, it's about telling a story that resonates with people on a very basic, true, and honest level." Just as importantly, Matthew boasts a receptive, open-minded approach that makes him popular with clients. "A lot of times, people come to attorneys when they are at their worst," he says. "Often, no one has truly listened to them. I try to focus on listening and being present, because everyone has a story to tell." Matthew's conversion from actor to attorney wasn't immediate. While trying to put together a piecemeal acting career in New York and Boston, performing mainly Shakespearean roles, he worked as a writer at a rock music website in Brooklyn that went under during the tech crash, and as a content manager/technical project manager in the marketing group at Pfizer Pharmaceuticals. After a post-September 11th bout of soul searching, he and his modern dancer wife moved to Portland so he could attend law school and she could pursue a career as a high school counselor. Specializing in employment law and civil rights law, Matthew and his wife spend much of their spare time at their home in Northeast Portland trying to get their kids to each their vegatables and brush their teeth.

Practices Areas

Sexual Harassment

Employment and labor

Wrongful termination

Civil Rights

Language

English

Contact

Law Office of Matthew C. Ellis621 SW Morrison, Suite 1025Portland, OR, 97205 Office (503) 345-5497 621 SW Morrison, Suite 1025Portland, OR, 97205 Office (503) 345-5497(503) 345-5497

Office: (503) 213-9541

Website: N/A

Reviews

Leslie
September 14, 2013

Matthew Ellis never made a wrong move for us. He took our case (one that several other "high-powered" attorneys had declined because it was too "complex"). He understood the facts quickly, he was professional, bright, and supported us 100%. He worked very, very hard. The outcome was a good and fair settlement for us, and Matthew earned every cent of his fee. If we could rate him higher than "5" we would. Outstanding, honorable person and professional. We'll always, always be grateful to him.

Sarah
September 14, 2010

Mr. Ellis out performed my expectations as my lawyer. He was not only courteous and respectful of the sensitive information regarding my case; he outshined in his ability to be a determined individual to fight for his client and not stand back while the other ‘side’ took ground. Mr. Ellis holds to confidentiality regardless of the case matter he did not once make his client, myself, feel like my case was unwarranted, or a waste of his or the firms time. During my meetings with Mr. Ellis, he sought to give specific attention to his client and the detail of the case in which he refused to squander based upon the evidence given to him. His performance was equally matched in his effective writings and skillful interviewing techniques during depositions. Mr. Ellis holds the belief that when you are his client, you will be well informed; held true Mr. Ellis never left me out of the loop of important information. I consistently received calls, emails and letters without fail informing me of our case, its progress and potential outcome. During my case I was never given false hope regarding the potential outcome of the case, Mr. Ellis, was straight forward with the details so that he did not miss lead his client in any manner. Mr. Ellis fought for my rights, harder than expected. His determination and skillful tactics during depositions with his smooth ‘interviewing’ techniques and demeanor caused the other side to ‘crack’ and spill information that they sought to keep hidden. Mr. Ellis is an attorney who I would again use without conviction, if the need ever arose.

Anna
March 3, 2019

Nothing says "top notch lawyer" like someone who other lawyers hire as their lawyer. I'm an experienced lawyer myself, and I selected Mr. Ellis after conducting extensive research online and making inquiries in the legal community ... I am SO glad I did. Mr. Ellis was knowledgeable, compassionate, and diplomatic, but also surprisingly aggressive when the situation called for it. He talked me out of accepting several tempting settlement offers and ended up negotiating a resolution on my behalf that far exceeded my expectations. Worth every penny.

Lisa
October 21, 2015

Matthew Ellis helped me through a very difficult time with, what was then, my employer. He is both knowledgeable and empathetic while remaining professional and trustworthy...regardless of any outcome. He was honest with me in terms of how he felt and / or thought the case would proceed regardless of my own personal expectations. I would highly recommend him to anyone seeking these type of legal services and I would seek him out again if the need arose.

Jodi
February 8, 2014

Mr. Ellis is an amazing attorney! My first impression of him was that he was a "go getter." I knew he would work hard for me, which he did. Matt is a very competent attorney And I would definitely recommend him to any of my family or friends. If I ever have a need again, Matt will be the first attorney I will call

Debra
September 17, 2010

I had an employment case where I was unjustly let go. I called Mr. Ellis' office in December and he had me come in immediately even though it was during the holidays. After reviewing my case he assured me that I was not at fault and that he believed strongly in my case. Just hearing that information from him made me feel very comfortable. He explained to me in detail the steps that would proceed. He kept me informed of every move he made with my past employers. I was very impressed with him when we went to mediation. He and his partner Dennis had taken control of the room and left me feeling very protected when I had felt so vulnerable in the past around my past employers. He assured me again that he believed in me and knew I was telling the truth and what my past employers did to me was wrong. I did not settle my case that day, but I left feeling as though I had already won. We did resolve my case later in the year but, I felt the whole way that I was in good hands and believed Mr. Ellis had my best interest. It put me at ease knowing I had a confident, knowledgeable, trustworthy attorney with me through the process. I will use Mr. Ellis' services again if I ever need to in the future and I do recommend him to my friends and family.

Barbara
September 16, 2010

I was very impressed with Mr. Ellis at our first meeting for my employment law case. I had several qualities I was looking for in an attorney and he had all of them. Mr. Ellis has two excellent qualities worth mentioning and one is his knowledge of employment law and the other is the exceptional way he relates to his clients. He has a way of making you feel relaxed in his presence as he prepares you for the many facets involved in your legal case. After interviewing with him in reference to my case I knew I wanted him to represent me. The firm is very professional which is felt from first meeting the receptionist in the lobby. Also, not having alot of legal knowledge and full of questions Mr. Ellis has also shown the patience and understanding that I was looking for in my representation.

Jennifer
November 10, 2009

Matthew helped us in a two year suit against our franchisor. He and Dennis Steinman successfully helped mediate a settlement for us. Very happy with the outcome...

Leslie
September 14, 2013

Matthew Ellis never made a wrong move for us. He took our case (one that several other "high-powered" attorneys had declined because it was too "complex"). He understood the facts quickly, he was professional, bright, and supported us 100%. He worked very, very hard. The outcome was a good and fair settlement for us, and Matthew earned every cent of his fee. If we could rate him higher than "5" we would. Outstanding, honorable person and professional. We'll always, always be grateful to him.

Sarah
September 14, 2010

Mr. Ellis out performed my expectations as my lawyer. He was not only courteous and respectful of the sensitive information regarding my case; he outshined in his ability to be a determined individual to fight for his client and not stand back while the other ‘side’ took ground. Mr. Ellis holds to confidentiality regardless of the case matter he did not once make his client, myself, feel like my case was unwarranted, or a waste of his or the firms time. During my meetings with Mr. Ellis, he sought to give specific attention to his client and the detail of the case in which he refused to squander based upon the evidence given to him. His performance was equally matched in his effective writings and skillful interviewing techniques during depositions. Mr. Ellis holds the belief that when you are his client, you will be well informed; held true Mr. Ellis never left me out of the loop of important information. I consistently received calls, emails and letters without fail informing me of our case, its progress and potential outcome. During my case I was never given false hope regarding the potential outcome of the case, Mr. Ellis, was straight forward with the details so that he did not miss lead his client in any manner. Mr. Ellis fought for my rights, harder than expected. His determination and skillful tactics during depositions with his smooth ‘interviewing’ techniques and demeanor caused the other side to ‘crack’ and spill information that they sought to keep hidden. Mr. Ellis is an attorney who I would again use without conviction, if the need ever arose.

Anna
March 3, 2019

Nothing says "top notch lawyer" like someone who other lawyers hire as their lawyer. I'm an experienced lawyer myself, and I selected Mr. Ellis after conducting extensive research online and making inquiries in the legal community ... I am SO glad I did. Mr. Ellis was knowledgeable, compassionate, and diplomatic, but also surprisingly aggressive when the situation called for it. He talked me out of accepting several tempting settlement offers and ended up negotiating a resolution on my behalf that far exceeded my expectations. Worth every penny.

Lisa
October 21, 2015

Matthew Ellis helped me through a very difficult time with, what was then, my employer. He is both knowledgeable and empathetic while remaining professional and trustworthy...regardless of any outcome. He was honest with me in terms of how he felt and / or thought the case would proceed regardless of my own personal expectations. I would highly recommend him to anyone seeking these type of legal services and I would seek him out again if the need arose.

Jodi
February 8, 2014

Mr. Ellis is an amazing attorney! My first impression of him was that he was a "go getter." I knew he would work hard for me, which he did. Matt is a very competent attorney And I would definitely recommend him to any of my family or friends. If I ever have a need again, Matt will be the first attorney I will call

Debra
September 17, 2010

I had an employment case where I was unjustly let go. I called Mr. Ellis' office in December and he had me come in immediately even though it was during the holidays. After reviewing my case he assured me that I was not at fault and that he believed strongly in my case. Just hearing that information from him made me feel very comfortable. He explained to me in detail the steps that would proceed. He kept me informed of every move he made with my past employers. I was very impressed with him when we went to mediation. He and his partner Dennis had taken control of the room and left me feeling very protected when I had felt so vulnerable in the past around my past employers. He assured me again that he believed in me and knew I was telling the truth and what my past employers did to me was wrong. I did not settle my case that day, but I left feeling as though I had already won. We did resolve my case later in the year but, I felt the whole way that I was in good hands and believed Mr. Ellis had my best interest. It put me at ease knowing I had a confident, knowledgeable, trustworthy attorney with me through the process. I will use Mr. Ellis' services again if I ever need to in the future and I do recommend him to my friends and family.

Barbara
September 16, 2010

I was very impressed with Mr. Ellis at our first meeting for my employment law case. I had several qualities I was looking for in an attorney and he had all of them. Mr. Ellis has two excellent qualities worth mentioning and one is his knowledge of employment law and the other is the exceptional way he relates to his clients. He has a way of making you feel relaxed in his presence as he prepares you for the many facets involved in your legal case. After interviewing with him in reference to my case I knew I wanted him to represent me. The firm is very professional which is felt from first meeting the receptionist in the lobby. Also, not having alot of legal knowledge and full of questions Mr. Ellis has also shown the patience and understanding that I was looking for in my representation.

Jennifer
November 10, 2009

Matthew helped us in a two year suit against our franchisor. He and Dennis Steinman successfully helped mediate a settlement for us. Very happy with the outcome...

Leslie
September 14, 2013

Matthew Ellis never made a wrong move for us. He took our case (one that several other "high-powered" attorneys had declined because it was too "complex"). He understood the facts quickly, he was professional, bright, and supported us 100%. He worked very, very hard. The outcome was a good and fair settlement for us, and Matthew earned every cent of his fee. If we could rate him higher than "5" we would. Outstanding, honorable person and professional. We'll always, always be grateful to him.

Sarah
September 14, 2010

Mr. Ellis out performed my expectations as my lawyer. He was not only courteous and respectful of the sensitive information regarding my case; he outshined in his ability to be a determined individual to fight for his client and not stand back while the other ‘side’ took ground. Mr. Ellis holds to confidentiality regardless of the case matter he did not once make his client, myself, feel like my case was unwarranted, or a waste of his or the firms time. During my meetings with Mr. Ellis, he sought to give specific attention to his client and the detail of the case in which he refused to squander based upon the evidence given to him. His performance was equally matched in his effective writings and skillful interviewing techniques during depositions. Mr. Ellis holds the belief that when you are his client, you will be well informed; held true Mr. Ellis never left me out of the loop of important information. I consistently received calls, emails and letters without fail informing me of our case, its progress and potential outcome. During my case I was never given false hope regarding the potential outcome of the case, Mr. Ellis, was straight forward with the details so that he did not miss lead his client in any manner. Mr. Ellis fought for my rights, harder than expected. His determination and skillful tactics during depositions with his smooth ‘interviewing’ techniques and demeanor caused the other side to ‘crack’ and spill information that they sought to keep hidden. Mr. Ellis is an attorney who I would again use without conviction, if the need ever arose.

Anna
March 3, 2019

Nothing says "top notch lawyer" like someone who other lawyers hire as their lawyer. I'm an experienced lawyer myself, and I selected Mr. Ellis after conducting extensive research online and making inquiries in the legal community ... I am SO glad I did. Mr. Ellis was knowledgeable, compassionate, and diplomatic, but also surprisingly aggressive when the situation called for it. He talked me out of accepting several tempting settlement offers and ended up negotiating a resolution on my behalf that far exceeded my expectations. Worth every penny.

Lisa
October 21, 2015

Matthew Ellis helped me through a very difficult time with, what was then, my employer. He is both knowledgeable and empathetic while remaining professional and trustworthy...regardless of any outcome. He was honest with me in terms of how he felt and / or thought the case would proceed regardless of my own personal expectations. I would highly recommend him to anyone seeking these type of legal services and I would seek him out again if the need arose.

Jodi
February 8, 2014

Mr. Ellis is an amazing attorney! My first impression of him was that he was a "go getter." I knew he would work hard for me, which he did. Matt is a very competent attorney And I would definitely recommend him to any of my family or friends. If I ever have a need again, Matt will be the first attorney I will call

Debra
September 17, 2010

I had an employment case where I was unjustly let go. I called Mr. Ellis' office in December and he had me come in immediately even though it was during the holidays. After reviewing my case he assured me that I was not at fault and that he believed strongly in my case. Just hearing that information from him made me feel very comfortable. He explained to me in detail the steps that would proceed. He kept me informed of every move he made with my past employers. I was very impressed with him when we went to mediation. He and his partner Dennis had taken control of the room and left me feeling very protected when I had felt so vulnerable in the past around my past employers. He assured me again that he believed in me and knew I was telling the truth and what my past employers did to me was wrong. I did not settle my case that day, but I left feeling as though I had already won. We did resolve my case later in the year but, I felt the whole way that I was in good hands and believed Mr. Ellis had my best interest. It put me at ease knowing I had a confident, knowledgeable, trustworthy attorney with me through the process. I will use Mr. Ellis' services again if I ever need to in the future and I do recommend him to my friends and family.

Barbara
September 16, 2010

I was very impressed with Mr. Ellis at our first meeting for my employment law case. I had several qualities I was looking for in an attorney and he had all of them. Mr. Ellis has two excellent qualities worth mentioning and one is his knowledge of employment law and the other is the exceptional way he relates to his clients. He has a way of making you feel relaxed in his presence as he prepares you for the many facets involved in your legal case. After interviewing with him in reference to my case I knew I wanted him to represent me. The firm is very professional which is felt from first meeting the receptionist in the lobby. Also, not having alot of legal knowledge and full of questions Mr. Ellis has also shown the patience and understanding that I was looking for in my representation.

Jennifer
November 10, 2009

Matthew helped us in a two year suit against our franchisor. He and Dennis Steinman successfully helped mediate a settlement for us. Very happy with the outcome...